# AEK Athens coach Marko Nikolic controversies > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/aek-athens-coach-marko-nikolic-controversies > Updated: 2026-10-27T20:03:52.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2. AEK head coach Marko Nikolic has been involved in several public disputes and criticisms regarding team performance and external factors. In mid-October, Nikolic engaged in a dispute with MEGA TV presenter Panagiotis Perperidis. The conflict arose after Nikolic questioned a social media promotion by the broadcaster involving a Shakhtar Donetsk player. Perperidis defended the station, suggesting the coach was reacting to unverified information and stating that ‘fanaticism and foolishness lead nowhere’. Following a 3-1 defeat against PAOK in the fourth round of the Superbet Greek Cup at Toumba Stadium, Nikolic focused on team performance and regulatory issues. Despite AEK controlling 65% of possession, Nikolic noted a lack of decisiveness in front of goal. He specifically labeled the second goal conceded on a counter-attack as ‘unacceptable’, noting that defensive vulnerabilities had already been discussed in the locker room. Nikolic also expressed ongoing frustration regarding a new regulation requiring the mandatory inclusion of two young players in the lineup. He suggested the team was unprepared for this requirement, noting they received the updated information only ten days before the season began. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-27: AEK coach Marko Nikolic criticizes loss to PAOK AEK coach Marko Nikolic criticized his team's lack of decisiveness and defensive errors following a 3-1 Greek Cup loss to PAOK. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aek-coach-marko-nikolic-addresses-loss-and-new-regulations ### 2026-10-14: AEK coach Marko Nikolic disputes MEGA TV social media promotion AEK coach Marko Nikolic and MEGA TV clashed after the broadcaster used a Shakhtar Donetsk player in a social media teaser for their match, leading to a heated verbal exchange on air. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aek-coach-marko-nikolic-disputes-mega-tv-social-media-promotion --- Cite as: AEK Athens coach Marko Nikolic controversies. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/aek-athens-coach-marko-nikolic-controversies